ACCESS NL > Housing in the Netherlands > Buying a house in the Netherlands > Which process should I follow when buying a house?

Buying a house in the Netherlands

What factors should I take into account before buying a house or apartment?

What other costs should I consider before buying a house in Netherlands?

What costs are involved in buying a house or apartment?

Which process should I follow when buying a house?

Buying a property in the Netherlands is relatively straightforward but there are some steps you need to take.

Finding a makelaar (real estate agent)
Buying a property without a makelaar is legal but not advisable. In the Netherlands you can work with only one  makelaar, unlike other countries. When house hunting, submit a list of the characteristics you are looking for in a house to your makelaar. This enables your makelaar to make a selection of interesting properties for you to visit. To make sure that you get proper help, contact a makelaar who is experienced at buying houses for expats.

The makelaar can help you from the beginning to the end of the house hunting process, including the technical inspection, the negotiations, the understanding of the bidding system along with the administrative work that comes with buying a house.

Is it compulsory to have a written contract to buy a house or is a verbal agreement binding as well in the Netherlands?

I have made an offer and signed a ‘contract of sale’ for a house. Can I still withdraw the offer?

I am considering buying an apartment. I have heard that I will become a member of a VvE (Vereniging van Eigenaren, Association of Owners). Can you explain what this is and what they do?

What does a notary do in the Netherlands?

How much do I pay for a notary service?

What legal services does a notary provide?